While watching Team USA hold their evaluation camp for the World Junior Championships, Katie Strang of ESPN NY said that she was hearing that Rangers 2012 first round pick Brady Skjei was drawing comparisons to fellow Minnesota-born defenseman Ryan McDonagh.

Prior to being drafted, Skjei was described as a defenseman who can shut people down and projects to be a player similar to Ryan McDonagh.

Right after the draft, assistant GM Jeff Gorton said “His game is similar to McDonagh. He is a shutdown guy, elite skater, a big body. He is very willing to learn and has a lot of qualities that we like. I think it’s an untapped guy that is only going to get better and looking down the road he is a really good fit for us.”

Corey Pronman writes at ESPN Insider that Skjei has had his struggles at Minnesota but with his elite skating ability, good hockey sense and big body he still has a decent shot at gaining a spot with Team USA for the World Junios.